"BEAUTY AND THE BRAND" Show #495

When John Williams (323-296-8221) was 12 years old, he produced and sold shampoo for 50 cents a gallon. Today, he is the proud owner of UNIVERSAL COLLEGE OF BEAUTY, INC. in Los Angeles. He received his start in the beauty industry when he returned home from military service and began working at the family business, which was then called Henrietta’s School of Beauty.

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"BEAUTY AND THE BRAND" Show #495

Jose Granda (www.grandall.com) risked his life to come to the United States after escaping the Castro-led revolution in Cuba. After settling in Los Angeles, Jose began making a living working in sales. He was particularly profitable in selling vitamins and minerals. When he asked for a 10% stake in the company but was denied, he then decided to open his own health and beauty distribution firm in 1965.

"FINE CARS AND FINE CIGARS" Show #508

Twin brothers Hussein and Hassan Iddrissu moved from Ghana to the United States at age 10. They enjoyed a privileged upbringing, eventually making their way into corporate America. Friends often commented on their fine cars, inspiring the brothers to found ROADSTARR IMPORT, a customization company for exotic luxury import cars. Upon developing a business plan, Hassan requested a $100,000 SBA loan, which was rejected.

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"FINE CARS AND FINE CIGARS" Show #508

Victor Migenes, Jr. inherited LA PLATA CIGAR CO. from his father, Victor Migenes, Sr., who grew up in the tobacco fields of Puerto Rico. Given the choice of maintaining the company or selling it, Victor Jr. continued the tradition that his father founded in 1947. He struggles to increase the company’s profit margin because of the high tobacco taxes in California, but he keeps the company because of his love of cigars.